Do I book an extra night or not

[poppy]

leave Aust at 9.30 p.m. arrive in Dubai at 5.30 a.m. - 14 hour flight.

Guessing it will take a couple of hours from plane landing until we get to our Hotel. So arriving around 7.30/8.00 a.m.
I was planning on just dropping off our luggage and having breakfast then some shopping. Shops don't open until 10.00 a.m.. Check in is at 3.00 p.m. - hopefully we would be able to get to our room earlier than that.

With such an early morning arrival, I am now wondering if it might be wiser to book an extra nights accommodation, so we could go straight to our room.

I am in two minds as to what to do - your thoughts would be appreciated. thanks

[viv]

Hmm, some places to a "day rate" so you can check into a room early or check out late. It may be worth asking the question about that, as they may decide that not arriving until that time of day is a no-show for the previous night's booking, if you see what I mean.

[HalcyonDaze]

I'd try requesting early check in - often places that are stopover destinations are able to do that to fit in with flight arrival times.

[elora]

Most hotels will allow you to check-in once they have a room ready for you but of course, there are no guarantees when that will be (how busy the hotel is, when other guests leave etc) but you know that

.. would I? No but i am cheap. I would drop my bags off (most hotels will store them for you) and then go grab breakfast and do some sightseeing. Perhaps check-in with the hotel again between or just before lunch. Depends on how well you and your travelling companions travel on the long flights.

[Oweena]

Have a look at this site poppy:

www.between9and5.com/en/

Lists hotels in all different cities where you can rent day rooms, which is what you need. Reduced half day rates at fairly decent hotels, maybe your hotel is listed.

Once I see a hotel listed I call them (or email) direct and ask for their day rate.

Any flight over 12 hours and I need to crash on a bed for a few hours. Any time I've tried to drop off luggage, go eat, I end up feeling like major crap.

[poppy]

thanks Oweena, unfortunately the Hotel I have booked is not there.

Elora - normally I would be like you, drop off bags etc., just think this may be a tad early.

thanks for the responses will phone and see if their is an early check in option, which I never considered.

[littlevixen]

what hotel are you using Poppy? we're coming back to Australia via Dubai in September. flying in at 7am and out at 9am the next morning. looking for a hotel but no idea where to start!

[poppy]

littlevixen - ta friend suggested we stay in Deira - as I wanted free wifi and close to a shopping centre, I finally decided on Pullman Dubai Deira Centre

www.booking.com/hotel/ae/sofitel-city-centre-residence.en-gb.html?sid=5183728a45eb2f53c8a0a47983b90cd8;dcid=1

the other one I was tossing up with was a Novotel nearby. The last time we stayed in Dubai about 2006, we stayed at the Novotel Word Trade Centre - imo it was too far away from anything.

Depends on what you want to do with your 24 hours, shop, relax or go dune bashing.